The first-ever yuan-denominated green bond was issued on Tuesday by International Finance Corp in London, marking a further step forward in the internationalization of China's currency.

The three-year bond raised 500 million yuan ($80.3 million) and was priced at a yield of 2 percent. HSBC acted as sole lead manager on the deal.

The bond is listed on the London Stock Exchange. Criteria for the use of IFC green bond proceeds are certified by Cicero, an independent research center associated with the University of Oslo.